Acute effects of angler's groundbaits: nutrient flux to water column.

Although ground-baiting related nutrient loading has been widely studied, we do not know what proportion of these nutrients release into the water column, affecting primary production directly. We conducted short-term (24-h, 5-day) experiments at wide temperature range, in presence and absence of fish using fish meal-based (FM-GB) and plant-based groundbait (PB-GB), to assess the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fluxes from GB into the water column. Nitrogen release from unconsumed FM-GB was negligible in the first 3 days, then increased abruptly, releasing 32% of its total N content by the fifth day. In contrast, PB-GB acted as temporary sink for inorganic N forms. Considerable (18-21%) inorganic P release was observed in both GB types in the first twelve hours. Consumed GBs induced considerable inorganic N release and its rate increased with temperature. Particulate forms predominated the released N in PB-GB, suggesting impaired digestion. Phosphorus-dominated by particulate forms-release was similar or lower than in unconsumed GB. Based on our results, excessive use of GB-when high amount of it remains unconsumed-can enhance eutrophication in P-limited ecosystems. Although less digestible GBs may have less abrupt effect on the primary production, undigested nutrients remain unavailable for removal through fish harvest.

A Comprehensive Review on Bioactive Compounds Found in Caesalpinia sappan.

Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan) is a tropical hardwood tree found in Southeast Asia. Sappan wood contains a water-soluble compound, which imparts a red color named brazilin. Sappan wood is utilized to produce dye for fabric and coloring agents for food and beverages, such as wine and meat. As a valuable medicinal plant, the tree is also known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It has been observed that sappan wood contains various bioactive compounds, including brazilin, brazilein, sappan chalcone, and protosappanin A. It has also been discovered that these substances have various health advantages; they lower inflammation, enhance blood circulation, and are anti-oxidative in nature. Sappan wood has been used as a medicine to address a range of illnesses, such as gastrointestinal problems, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. Studies have also suggested that sappan wood may have anticarcinogenic potential as it possesses cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. Based on this, the present review emphasized the different medicinal properties, the role of phytochemicals, their health benefits, and several food and nonfood applications of sappan wood. Overall, sappan wood has demonstrated promising medicinal properties and is an important resource in traditional medicine. The present review has explored the potential role of sappan wood as an essential source of bioactive compounds for drug development.

Extraction and Encapsulation of Phytocompounds of Poniol Fruit via Co-Crystallization: Physicochemical Properties and Characterization.

Poniol (Flacourtia jangomas) has beneficial health effects due to its high polyphenolic and good antioxidant activity content. This study aimed to encapsulate the Poniol fruit ethanolic extract to the sucrose matrix using the co-crystallization process and analyze the physicochemical properties of the co-crystalized product. The physicochemical property characterization of the sucrose co-crystallized with the Poniol extract (CC-PE) and the recrystallized sucrose (RC) samples was carried out through analyzing the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, loading capacity, entrapment yield, bulk and traped densities, hygroscopicity, solubilization time, flowability, DSC, XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The result revealed that the CC-PE product had a good entrapment yield (76.38%) and could retain the TPC (29.25 mg GAE/100 g) and antioxidant properties (65.10%) even after the co-crystallization process. Compared to the RC sample, the results also showed that the CC-PE had relatively higher flowability and bulk density, lower hygroscopicity, and solubilization time, which are desirable properties for a powder product. The SEM analysis showed that the CC-PE sample has cavities or pores in the sucrose cubic crystals, which proposed that the entrapment was better. The XRD, DSC, and FTIR analyses also showed no changes in the sucrose crystal structure, thermal properties, and functional group bonding structure, respectively. From the results, we can conclude that co-crystallization increased sucrose's functional properties, and the co-crystallized product can be used as a carrier for phytochemical compounds. The CC-PE product with improved properties can also be utilized to develop nutraceuticals, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals.

Review of Shikonin and Derivatives: Isolation, Chemistry, Biosynthesis, Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Shikonin and its derivatives, isolated from traditional medicinal plant species of the genus Lithospermum, Alkanna, Arnebia, Anchusa, Onosma, and Echium belonging to the Boraginaceae family, have numerous applications in foods, cosmetics, and textiles. Shikonin, a potent bioactive red pigment, has been used in traditional medicinal systems to cure various ailments and is well known for its diverse pharmacological potential such as anticancer, antithrombotic, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-gonadotropic, antioxidants, antimicrobial and insecticidal. Herein, updated research on the natural sources, pharmacology, toxicity studies, and various patents filed worldwide related to shikonin and approaches to shikonin's biogenic and chemical synthesis are reviewed. Furthermore, recent studies to establish reliable production systems to meet market demand, functional identification, and future clinical development of shikonin and its derivatives against various diseases are presented.

Novel Bioengineered Antibacterial and Anticancer ZnO Nanoparticles.

Transition metal oxide NPs have delivered wide applications in various fields. Therefore, in this study, a novel fungus, Alternaria sp. (NCBI Accession No: MT982648) was isolated and characterized from the vicinity of medicinal plants. Eventually, in this method extracted proteins from isolated fungus were utilized to synthesize highly biocompatible zinc nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The various physical techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, HR-TEM, XRD, DLS, zeta potential, and FTIR were used to characterize particles. The UV-visible absorption (λMax) and binding energy for the as-synthesized particles were found to be 329 nm and 3.91 eV, respectively. Further, the polydispersed particles were revealed to have regular crystallinity with hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO with the spacing of ~2.46 Å under XRD and HR-TEM. The average size of a particle under TEM was found to be ~18 nm. The evaluation of various surface functional groups of particles was done by FTIR. The average hydrodynamic diameter of particles was found to be ~57 d. nm with 0.44 particle distribution index whereas the nanoemulsion stability was explained by Zeta potential (-9.47 mV). These particles were found to exhibit potential antibacterial and anticancer activities. They were found to be bactericidal against S. abony (MIC 5.73 µg/mL); B. pumilis (MIC 6.64 µg/mL); K. pneumonia (MIC 14.4 µg/mL); E. coli (MIC 8.7 µg/mL); B. subtilis (MIC 5.63 µg/mL) and S. aureus (MIC 12.04 µg/mL). Further, they are also found to be concentration-dependent anticancer and inhibited the growth of A549 cells (IC50-65.3 µg/mL) whereas they were found to demonstrate no any cytotoxicity against NRK normal kidney cell line. The internalization of particles into the nucleus (i.e., nuclear fragmentation and DNA damage) was confirmed by DAPI staining. The intracellular particles were found to generate excessive ROS. Further, the anticancer potential was also estimated by noticing a hike in oxidative stress parameters, cell viability, cell morphology, and change in mitochondrial membrane potential. We effectively synthesized potentially potent antibacterial and anticancer novel bioengineered ZnO NPs.

Bergenia pacumbis (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) C.Y.Wu & J.T.Pan: A Comprehensive Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology.

The influence of medicinal plants on humanity spans time immemorial. These plants are also used at present with local and tribal peoples for the cures of various illnesses. Nature has produced an immense number of medicinal plants, which directly or indirectly help to treat various ailments and have numerous applications in the fields of pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food flavors and preservatives, aromas, and cosmetics. Bergenia pacumbis (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) C.Y.Wu & J.T.Pan (synonym: Bergenia ligulate Engl.), is an important medicinal plant belonging to the Saxifragaceae family, and not to be confused with Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb., and is popularly known as Pashanbheda (meaning to dissolve the kidney stone). This plant is a rich source of secondary metabolites (SMs) such as coumarins, flavonoids, benzenoids, lactones, tannins, phenols, and sterols, which make this plant a highly valued medicinal herb with a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities such as anti-urolithic, antioxidant, anti-viral, free radical scavenging, antidiabetic, anti-hepatotoxic, diuretic, antipyretic, anti-oxaluria, anti-tumour, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective. This review summarizes traditional uses and offers up to date data for future research on B. pacumbis.

The Association of Therapy Adherence and Thyroid Function in Adult Patients with Phenylketonuria.

BACKGROUND: The standard, lifelong therapy of phenylketonuria (PKU) is a natural protein-restricted diet complemented with phenylalanine (Phe)-free L-amino acid mixtures that provide the daily necessary micronutrients. OBJECTIVE: To assess thyroid function and structure and the iodine status of early-treated adult PKU (ETPKU) patients in Hungary. METHODS: Sixty-nine PKU patients (aged 18-41 years) and 50 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Thyroid hormones, serum thyroglobulin, thyroid antibodies, urinary iodine, and selenium concentrations were measured, and thyroid ultrasound was performed. RESULTS: The incidence of thyroid dysfunction was infrequent (n = 2). Blood Phe was negatively correlated with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and PKU patients had higher free thyroxine and lower TSH levels than healthy controls. Although optimal iodine status was found in the entire PKU population, by dividing the patients according to their therapy compliance, we observed that lower therapy adherence was associated with mild iodine deficiency and lower urinary selenium levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that iodine status is strongly influenced by the adherence to therapy in ETPKU patients. No or not enough medical food consumption combined with a low-Phe diet can lead to subclinical iodine deficiency.

Sunflower seedlings hyperaccumulate Selenium.

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for animals and humans, but not plants. However, the capacity of some plants to accumulate and transform Se into bioactive compounds has important implications for human nutrition and health. In this study, sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and maize (Zea mays) seedlings were cultivated in soil to investigate the effect of different rates of sodium selenite (1-90 mg kg-1 soil) and sodium selenate (1-30 mg kg-1 soil) on absorption and translocation of Se and sulphur (S). Sodium selenate decreased growth of sunflower roots at all applied rates and of maize roots at the highest rate applied. In contrast, sodium selenite up to 30 mg kg-1 for sunflower and 3 mg kg-1 for maize resulted in increased shoot and root growth. An increase in Se concentration in soil resulted in an increase in Se and a decrease in S accumulation in roots and shoots of both maize and sunflower. Selenium translocation from roots to shoot was higher in sunflower than maize. Root-to-shoot translocation of Se was 5 to 30 times greater in sunflower and 0.4 to 3 times greater in maize in the sodium selenate than sodium selenite treatments. Sunflower, as a Se-hyperaccumulator with up to 1.8 g kg-1 in shoots (with no significant decrease in shoot biomass) can be a valuable plant in biofortification to improve animal/human nutrition, as well as in phytoremediation of contaminated sites to restore ecosystem services.

Thyroglobulin level at week 16 of pregnancy is superior to urinary iodine concentration in revealing preconceptual and first trimester iodine supply.

Pregnant women are prone to iodine deficiency due to the increased need for iodine during gestation. Progress has recently occurred in establishing serum thyroglobulin (Tg) as an iodine status biomarker, but there is no accepted reference range for iodine sufficiency during pregnancy. An observational study was conducted in 164 pregnant women. At week 16 of gestation urinary iodine concentration (UIC), serum Tg, and thyroid functions were measured, and information on the type of iodine supplementation and smoking were recorded. The parameters of those who started iodine supplementation (≥150 µg/day) at least 4 weeks before pregnancy (n = 27), who started at the detection of pregnancy (n = 51), and who had no iodine supplementation (n = 74) were compared. Sufficient iodine supply was found in the studied population based on median UIC (162 µg/L). Iodine supplementation ≥150 µg/day resulted in higher median UIC regardless of its duration (nonusers: 130 µg/L vs. prepregnancy iodine starters: 240 µg/L, and pregnancy iodine starters: 205 µg/L, p < .001, and p = .023, respectively). Median Tg value of pregnancy starters was identical to that of nonusers (14.5 vs. 14.6 µg/L), whereas prepregnancy starters had lower median Tg (9.1 µg/L, p = .018). Serum Tg concentration at week 16 of pregnancy showed negative relationship (p = .010) with duration of iodine supplementation and positive relationship (p = .008) with smoking, a known interfering factor of iodine metabolism, by multiple regression analysis. Serum Tg at week 16 of pregnancy may be a promising biomarker of preconceptual and first trimester maternal iodine status, the critical early phase of foetal brain development.

Biological changes of green pea (Pisum sativum L.) by selenium enrichment.

Supplement of common fertilizers with selenium (Se) for crop production will be an effective way to produce selenium-rich food and feed. The value of green pea seeds and forages as alternative protein source can be improved by using agronomic biofortification. Therefore, biological changes of green pea (Pisum sativum L.) and influences of inorganic forms of Se (sodium selenite and sodium selenate) at different concentrations on the accumulation of magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P) were investigated in greenhouse experiment. 3 mg kg-1 of selenite had positive effects to enhance photosynthetic attributes and decrease lipid peroxidation significantly. At the same time, Se accumulation increased in all parts of plant by increasing Se supply. Moreover, Mg and P accumulations were significantly increased at 3 mg kg-1 selenite and 1 mg kg-1 selenate treatments, respectively. By contrast higher selenite concentrations (≥30 mg kg-1) exerted toxic effects on plants. Relative chlorophyll content, actual photochemical efficiency of PSII (ФPSII) and Mg accumulation showed significant decrease while membrane lipid peroxidation increased. Thus, the present findings prove Se biofortification has positive effects on biological traits of green pea to provide it as a proper functional product.

Selenoamino Acid-Enriched Green Pea as a Value-Added Plant Protein Source for Humans and Livestock.

Selenium deficiency in various degrees affects around 15% of the world's population, contributing to a variety of health problems. In this study, we examined the accumulation and biotransformation of soil applied Se-supplementation (sodium selenite and sodium selenate forms) at different concentrations, along with growth and yield formation of green pea, in a greenhouse experiment. Biotransformation of inorganic Se was evaluated using HPLC-ICP-MS for Se-species separation in the above ground parts of green pea. Results showed 3 mg kg-1 SeIV increased green pea growth biomarkers and also caused an increase in protein content in leaves by 17%. Selenomethionine represented 65% of the total selenium content in shoots, but was lower in pods and seeds (54 and 38%, respectively). Selenomethionine was the major species in all plant parts and the only organic selenium form in the lower SeIV concentration range. Elevating the dose of SeIV (≥30 mg kg-1) triggered detrimental effects on growth and protein content and caused higher accumulation of inorganic Se in forms of SeVI and SeIV. Selenocysteine, another organic form of proteinogenic amino acid, was determined when SeIV (≥10 mg kg-1) was applied in higher concentrations. Thus, agronomic biofortification using the appropriate chemical form and concentration of Se will have positive effects on green pea growth and its enriched shoots and seeds provide a value-added protein source for livestock and humans with significant increased selenomethionine.

Effect of molybdenum treatment on molybdenum concentration and nitrate reduction in maize seedlings.

Since 1940 molybdenum has been known as an essential trace element in plant nutrition and physiology. It has a central role in nitrogen metabolism, and its deficiency leads to nitrate accumulation in plants. In this study, we cultivated maize seedlings (Zea mays L. cv. Norma SC) in nutrient solution and soil (rhizoboxes) to investigate the effect of molybdenum treatment on the absorption of molybdenum, sulfur and iron. These elements have been previously shown to play important roles in nitrate reduction, because they are necessary for the function of the nitrate reductase enzyme. We also investigated the relationship between molybdenum treatments and different nitrogen forms in maize. Molybdenum treatments were 0, 0.96, 9.6 and 96 µg kg(-1) in the nutrition solution experiments, and 0, 30, 90, 270 mg kg(-1) in the rhizobox experiments. On the basis of our results, the increased Mo level produced higher plant available Mo concentration in nutrient solution and in soil, which resulted increased concentration of Mo in shoots and roots of maize seedlings. In addition it was observed that maize seedlings accumulated more molybdenum in their roots than in their shoots at all treatments. In contrast, molybdenum treatments did not affect significantly either iron or sulfur concentrations in the plant, even if these elements (Mo, S and Fe) play alike important roles in nitrogen metabolism. Furthermore, the physiological molybdenum level (1× Mo = 0.01 µM) reduced NO3-N and enhanced the NH4-N concentrations in seedlings, suggesting that nitrate reduction was more intense under a well-balanced molybdenum supply.